Durham, NC to Akron, OH Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Durham to Akron typically costs $2,100–$5,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 506 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Durham to Akron
Moving from Durham, NC to Akron, OH typically costs $2,100–$5,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 506-mile move from Durham to Akron, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $1,741 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $4,470 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $2,724 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 03, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 30, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 14, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 30, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 25, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 24, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 19, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 13, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 07, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 06, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Durham to Akron
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,200, but larger homes can run up to $8,600.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Durham.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($500–$1,300) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Akron, OH to Durham, NC guide.
Best Durham to Akron movers by type
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Durham to Akron
For a stress-free interstate move from Durham to Akron, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best NC→OH movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 115 North Carolina moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Durham to Akron
Many movers find Akron easier on the wallet than Durham - roughly 45% less for singles and 31% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,543 for one person in Akron versus $2,803 in Durham. For a family of four, it's $4,120 compared with $5,945.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Durham | Akron | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,875 | $983 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,573 | $1,300 |
| Average home value | $391,719 | $121,327 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,117 | $61,971 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,803 | $1,543 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,945 | $4,120 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 6.9% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 6.75% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 3.5% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 44% lower in Akron than in Durham, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 69% lower in Akron than in Durham.
- It's important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 10% less in Akron than in Durham.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Akron, where the cost of living for a single person is 45% less than in Durham.
- Moving to Akron could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family's regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 31% less than in Durham.
- The unemployment rate in Akron is 68% higher compared to Durham, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 10% lower in Akron than in Durham. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Akron can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 22% lower in Ohio compared to North Carolina. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Durham with Akron:
| Living Expense | Durham | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.21 | $287.77 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.67 | $41.20 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.53 | $4.80 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.66 | $3.10 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $70.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $43.33 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Durham than in Akron, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Durham than in Akron.
- Eggs are less expensive in Durham than in Akron.
- Bread is more expensive in Durham than in Akron.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Durham than in Akron.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Durham than in Akron.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Durham than in Akron.
How life is different in Durham vs. Akron
| Durham | Akron | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 283,506 | 190,469 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 30 | 48 |
| Bike friendliness score | 38 | 43 |
| Crime index | 54.72 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 45.28 | 50.39 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Akron's population is about 33% less than Durham.
- Akron's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Durham's score of 4.
- Akron is more walkable than Durham with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Durham's 30 out of 100.
- With a score of 43 out of 100, Akron is more bike-friendly than Durham, which has a score of 38 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Akron's crime rate is lower than Durham with a score of 5.0 compared to Durham's 54.72. This means that Akron neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72%.
- Akron is considered to be safer than Durham with a safety index of 50.39 vs Durham's 45.28.
- Air quality in Akron is Moderate, and in Durham it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Durham to Akron move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Ohio doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Akron smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Akron
Now that you've chosen Rubber City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Akron to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Highland Square
- Downtown Akron
- Merriman Valley
- North Hill
- Wallhaven
Best neighborhoods for families
- Northwest Akron
- Merriman Valley
- Fairlawn Heights
- Wallhaven
- Highland Square
Things to do in Akron
After getting comfortable in your new Ohio home, it's time to see what Akron is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Akron offers cultural landmarks like the Akron Art Museum, Akron Children's Museum, and Nativity Museum and replica of Bethlehem's cave.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Portage Lakes State Park, Cascade Valley Park, and Springfield Lake Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Akron RubberDucks (Baseball-Eastern League)Akron Zips (MAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Durham to Akron?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Durham to Akron are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Durham are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Durham to Akron?
Because spring and fall moves from Durham to Akron are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Durham to Akron take?
A move of 506 miles from Durham, NC to Akron, OH generally takes one to six days. Movers in Durham sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Akron is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Durham offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 18 movers in Durham have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 7 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across NC, there are 77 piano movers and 37 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
